Bart Howard was a talented American songwriter and composer best known for writing the classic song "Fly Me to the Moon." Here are some interesting facts about him:
Birth Name: Bart Howard was born as Howard Joseph Gustafson on June 1, 1915, in Burlington, Iowa. He later adopted the stage name "Bart Howard."
"Fly Me to the Moon": Howard composed "Fly Me to the Moon" in 1954, originally titled "In Other Words." The song became one of his most famous compositions and has been covered by numerous artists, including Frank Sinatra, who recorded one of the most iconic versions.
Frank Sinatra's Rendition: Frank Sinatra's recording of "Fly Me to the Moon" in 1964 became closely associated with the song. It is often considered one of Sinatra's signature songs.
Sinatra's Apollo 11 Connection: Frank Sinatra's version of "Fly Me to the Moon" was played on the Apollo 11 mission, making it the first music ever heard on the Moon. Astronaut Buzz Aldrin even sang a few lines of the song during the mission.
Other Notable Performers: Over the years, many other artists have recorded "Fly Me to the Moon," including Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, and Diana Krall, among others.
Name Change: Bart Howard changed his name from Howard Joseph Gustafson to Bart Howard to better suit his career in show business. This change allowed him to establish a unique identity as a songwriter and performer.
Prolific Composer: While "Fly Me to the Moon" is his most famous composition, Bart Howard wrote many other songs throughout his career, contributing to the American songbook. Some of his other compositions include "Let Me Love You" and "Don't Dream of Anybody but Me."
Extensive Career: Howard had a long and successful career as a composer and performer, working in the entertainment industry for several decades.
Later Life: Bart Howard continued to perform and compose music well into his later years. He lived in the Netherlands during the last years of his life, where he continued to write songs and perform in clubs.
Legacy: Bart Howard's song "Fly Me to the Moon" remains a beloved and enduring classic, and his contribution to the world of music continues to be celebrated.
Bart Howard's "Fly Me to the Moon" remains an iconic song that has left a lasting mark on the world of music, and his legacy as a songwriter lives on through this timeless composition.